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8mm projectors-save or dispose of
Hi Everyone. New to this forum. We have a number of antique cameras, and projectors and I would like to find out what is worth keeping or disposing of. I have two projectors one is a Bell and Howell Auto load model 353 and the other is a Kodak Instamatic M95(very noisy). I would love an opinion about what the difference is between these two and which we should hold on to. Also, we have a lot of film does anyone know of a reputable and reasonable place to send films to be transferred to digital? Thank you in advance!!
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1) The Kodak Instamatic has the advantage of being a dual gauge model. It takes standard/regular 8 films, and also Super 8 films. However, it is not a popular model. Servicing can be difficult.
2) The Bell & Howell is only for standard/regular 8 films, but, it is a well made and sturdy projector from yesteryear.
Conclusion, keep the Bell & Howell. -
Trouble is if we dispose of these pieces of machinery when they are gone...they are gone forever history erased. End game the choice is the owners.Comment
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The best projector to keep is the one that works. As Maurice states one projector can manage both formats the other, one. Super 8 and Single 8 are the same in projector terms. Same film for all intense and purpose. Standard 8, Regular 8, Normal 8, Double 8 and 8mm are all the other, earlier 8mm format. The Bell & Howell can manage the earlier format only, the Kodak both. As you have the Kodak, you probably have both formats of film. If not happy with either projector, you could sell both and get a replacement. Price wise is easy. They're not worth anything to you but $$$$$$$ ££££££££ to others. So, take into account post and packing. They weigh around 15Kg (err on the side of caution), so factor post cost. The Packing. It's your responsibility to get the package to the buyer, so pack well. So, realistically, the cost to you, just to post in your own country, around £30 or equivalent $. The price of the projectors is really up to you. Just remember, sending them isn't a couple of £/$. It's expensive.
My advice is, really cover the cost of Post and Packing and Fees, then add a couple of dollars to for the item as spare/repair. Yes, they are advertised for a lot more - ignore that, be happy with the price you get and ensure you're covered for post and packing, pack well and send them to a new home.
A replacement will then be needed
Film to Digital. You could get a Wolverine. No, not professional. There is a learning curve. Super 8 may be a bit easier to digitize as it's a newer format which includes the Single 8 film. There is probably no splices to catch in the digitizer gate. Standard 8 will have at least one splice and vary in width slightly. This will/may cause issues with home digitizers. A home digitize won't loose your film in the post though!
Those that really offer professional transfer, I'm sure others will recommend and I am in no way knocking their product or professionalism.
Having said all that, best of luck with your quest and maybe see if there is a way of sorting the noise on that Kodak. Always test with film you don't mind losing. Buy something cheep
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I briefly had a Kodak M95 years ago: it belonged to our friend's deceased uncle and she gave it to me along with his small collection of really sleazy porn! (She didn't know that part just yet: we all found out together!)
His widow was none too pleased when we screened the first maybe 15 seconds of one reel that night! "DAMMIT, CHARLIE!!!"
-I mean: the poor man was dead and he STILL got in trouble!
The machine was pretty loud. It also didn't make a "movie projector" sound: it was more like a "paper shredder" sound. I just couldn't ever trust it.
It and Uncle Charlie's naughty films have all moved on to that Big Adult Bookstore in the Sky!
Something like this?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvS0I_JfeWoLast edited by Steve Klare; January 22, 2022, 07:10 AM.Comment
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I would be more concerned with the cost of replacement lamps. The replacement for the Bell & Howell is very high priced and has a rather short life too, while the Kodak machine uses a more modern halogen that is reasonably priced but short life too at about 25 hours. As far as build quality the Bell & Howell is obviously the better machine with the Kodak being much cheaper in terms of quality.Comment
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The Bell and Howell lamp can easily be converted to a less expensive halogen bulb. I have converted three or four similar models.
http://8mmforum.film-tech.com/cgi-bi...=009488#000010Comment
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Steve's story of the widow and the porn movie is hilarious! Make a great scene for a sitcom.
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Thanks, Paul! It was one of those memorable Moments!
I‘d never met the guy, but to me he’ll forever be “Uncle Porn”!Comment
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Fond memories of a telecine job that came in from a photographic shop 20 years back. There were about 16 reels, 200s and 400s.Originally posted by Steve Klare View Post
FIrst reel was normal family stuff and then the second was The Vacuum Cleaner Salesman...and it was soon apparent that only 3 reels were family stuff.
It transpired that it was the daughter who was getting these transferred following her father's death.
I was quite proud of my tact as I explained to her on the phone, that most of the reels had deteriorated and could not be saved...well it was either that or "Your Dad had the biggest porn collection in Hertfordshire"!Comment
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Yes,
That's a theme we've seen played out here over the years a number of times: when absorbing others' collections, make sure what you keep at least gives you a reputation you deserve worse come to worse!
(Legend is Uncle Charlie was the Film Librarian for his Lodge. Apparently every time a Brother got married, he and the M95 provided the entertainment!)Comment
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Returning to the topic....does anyone have a recommendation for Elise's digital transfer question? I'm assuming a place in the Northeast USA would be preferable.Comment
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